There are a lot of raw emotions shared following an elimination from the NBA postseason. That is the feeling the Los Angeles Lakers are working through as their season came to an end on Monday night at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles was swept in the Western Conference Finals, with Monday’s 113-111 loss officially eliminating them from the postseason. The games were competitive, for the most part, but in the end, it was the better team who came out on top.
The Lakers are now going to begin their offseason preparations, which will certainly have to be adjusted following the LeBron James bombshell post-game. James revealed that he is contemplating retirement this offseason, which was the last thing many people thought they would hear.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
For years he has made it clear he wanted to end his career playing alongside his son, Bronny, who is currently eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft. But, it seems that there is a legitimate chance he will decide to hang up his sneakers before then.
It was something that surprised his teammate, Anthony Davis. Davis and James are both under contract for at least one more season with the Lakers, with 2024 always being the offseason things could change drastically. But, it may come a year earlier if James does decide to retire.
“Davis, when informed by ESPN about James’ postgame comments following Monday’s loss, was surprised to hear them at first. Like James, Davis is under contract with the Lakers for next season — one of only a few players with deals on a roster that could see a lot of movement this summer.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
But after considering the remarks a little longer, Davis recalled a recent conversation he had with James when he told James he “might have one more in me” when talking about the 2024 Olympics in Paris. James told Davis he might already be done by then. Davis, thinking James misheard him, explained he was talking about USA Basketball next summer, not 2028 in Los Angeles.
James reiterated to Davis that he could have already hung up his sneakers by next year’s Olympics.”
This is something that James will sit down and think long and hard about. He played out this postseason on a foot injury that cost him nearly a month of time near the end of the regular season, so his health and how his body feels will be paramount.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If James does decide to retire, that will have a lasting impact on Davis as well. Will Davis look to move elsewhere instead of being a solo act in Los Angeles? Or will the front office be able to find players to build the roster out around Davis as a James retirement would open up ample cap space? Those are all things that will unfold in the coming weeks as there are some major decisions to be made.
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